Montgomery Contacts:

• Jamyla Philyaw, Chief Administrative Officer, (334) 625-2001

Montgomery, Alabama, would be an ideal backdrop for your next film project. We are a City rich in history, scenic beauty, diversity, and pride. We have an abundance of hospitable and professional local talent and production crews. Montgomery’s mild climate means the fall, winter, and spring months are positively lovely. And, while Montgomery’s summer months are quite hot, we can assure you that our buildings are air conditioned and the Alabama skies are indeed a very gorgeous shade of blue.

The City of Montgomery recognizes that film and production are important industries closely connected to local investment, visitor spending, job opportunities, and artistic expression. To follow are the most common questions and informational points. If you have additional questions or would like information about the exciting things happening in local Montgomery development, just let us know. 

Alabama Film Office

The State of Alabama maintains the main staff and resources for supporting film and production company needs. Because they are located in the Capital City, Montgomery, City of Montgomery staff are able to have great coordination with them. The Alabama Film Office is at www.alabamafilm.org.

Alabama Film Contacts:

• Kathy Faulk, Manager, (O) 334-242-4195
• Brenda Hobbie, Incentives Coordinator, (O) 334-242-4195      
• Courtney Murphy, Film Liaison/Community Liaison, (O) 334-242-4195
• Brian S. Jones, Media & Location Coordinator, (O) 334-242-4195

Current and Past Films

To follow is a partial list of movies and shows that have filmed in Montgomery, the broader River Region and nearby Selma, Alabama. If one is missing, please let us know!

1. Just Mercy (filmed in 2018, released January 25, 2019, in theaters 2020)
   Watch Trailer                                                                                                                                                                     

2.  Son of the South (filmed in 2019, released 2021) 
   Watch Trailer
   
   
3. Remembering Anarcha (2021)
4. True Mercy: Bryan Stevenson Documentary (2019)

5. Riding with the Rabbi (2019)

6. Traces of Indignity (2018)

7. The Voice (2018, for contestant Kirk Jay)

8. Commit to the Song: The Joe Thomas Jr. Guitar Pull (2015)

9. American Idol (2015, for contestant Jessica Meuse)

10. Selma (2014)

11. Dropped (2013)

12. Heavens Fall (2006)

13. The Rosa Parks Story (2002)

14. Big Fish (2003)

15. Dead Birds (2003)

16. Selma, Lord, Selma (1999)

17. Grass Harp (1995)

18. Body Snatchers (1992)

19. Blue Sky (1990)

20. The Long Walk Home (1990)

21. The Vernon Jones Story (1980s)

22. Sister, Sister (1982)

23. A Thanksgiving Visitor (1968)

24. A Christmas Memory (1966)

25. Your Cheatin’ Heart (1962)

Learn more about the MONTGOMERY FILM FESTIVAL

Business License Application

Businesses that film in Montgomery may need a City of Montgomery Business License. There are short term or “transient” licenses that could fulfill the requirements, should your film only be working in Montgomery for a few days, for example. The process is simple and City staff stand ready to make the process quick and painless. The Finance Department’s License and Revenue Division assists businesses in the City of Montgomery in issuing and maintaining appropriate business licenses and sales tax numbers.

Pam McCorvey is the Revenue Manager, she can be reached at 334-625-2147 if you have a question about whether it applies to you. You are also welcome to come in to the City offices at 25 Washington, 3^rd Floor. Additional contact information and Business License Application.

Event Permit Application

There is no special fee to film in Montgomery. However, if your filming requires the closures of public sidewalks, streets or parks, and/or will constitute a public assembly, an event permit is required. Event Permit Application

While You Are in Town

While you are working in town, you may as well explore it! Enjoy our great city and all it has to offer. The Montgomery Convention Center & Visitor’s Bureau can help. It runs the Montgomery Capital Cool website and Facebook page for loads of ideas for eating, lodging and entertainment. Check it out at https://visitingmontgomery.com. There is also a fun, local restaurant Facebook group called “Lunch in the Gump” that you might consider joining during your stay.

Crew/Production Information

The Alabama Film Office maintains an online directory for crew personnel and provides this listing service to our community of crew and support services companies without fee. This enables local / regional talent to register and connect with production companies when in town.

Montgomery Crew - View online directory.
Crew Registration - Register and create your free listing.

Location Ideas

Montgomery has a huge range of photographic opportunities. From historic, to scenic, to gritty, to quintessentially local – and instantly recognizable as “Montgomery.” The Alabama Film Office has a great collection of location ideas and a dedicated location coordinator to work with companies.

Montgomery Locations - View location ideas.
Location Submission Form - List a property you own or manage with the Alabama Film Office.

Tax Incentives

This program is administered on a case-by-case basis. The Alabama Film Office retains the sole discretion to determine which projects are selected and the amount of incentives available to each selected project.  While there is not a per project incentive cap per se, Alabama only awards the incentive on the first $20 million of qualifying production expenditures.  Subject to the $20 million limitation, all payroll paid to Alabama residents earn 35%, while all other qualified production expenditures earn 25%, including the first $500,000 of each nonresident below-the-line (direct hire or loan out).  There is a state funding cap of $20 million per fiscal year (Oct. 1 - Sept. 30).  A certified production spending at least $150,000 within a 12-month period may apply to be exemption is not available on qualified expenditures in excess of the first $20 million.

Qualified spending includes: pre-production, production, and post-production costs incurred in the state that are directly used in a certified production; all salaries, wages, and other compensation including, but not limited to, compensation and related benefits provided to resident and nonresident producers, directors, writers, actors, and other personnel involved in certified projects within the state. *Marketing and distribution expenses do not qualify.

Learn More  |  Incentives FAQ's